Pakistan ‘starts Taliban assault’
Pakistani Military backed by Political Leadership has launched the long awaited ground assault on TTP strongholds in South Waziristan. While Pakistanis continue to pay heavy price through Pakistani blood the western media as shown by headline from BBC continues to mock our sacrifices. Pakistani Military will prevail against any threat INSHAALLAH. I just hope that government can get its act together and learn from SWAT mistakes to take care of the IDP’s. Meanwhile BBC and western media can mock as much as they want in the end once again Pak Military will show how to defeat the adversaries through bravery and resolve while the western armies continue to bribe their way out.
BBC: Pakistan ‘starts Taliban assault’
Fierce fighting has broken out as the Pakistan army battles Taliban militants in their remote strongholds in the South Waziristan province.
Local officials said 30,000 troops, backed by artillery, had moved into the region where Pakistan Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud is based.
Officials said the Taliban were resisting as troops mobilised from the north, east, and west.
A curfew was imposed in the region before the offensive began.
There have been several co-ordinated Taliban attacks in recent days, killing more than 150 people in several Pakistan cities.
Local officials said there were dozens of casualties as both sides used heavy weapons.
The bodies of three Pakistan soldiers were taken to the northern town of Razmak.
Nearly all communications in the region were down after the Taliban destroyed a telecommunications tower at Tiarza, local officials said.
Three-pronged attack
Troops were moving from Razmak, between North and South Wazirstan; from Jandola in the east; and from Shakai in the west.
They were reported to be moving towards Makeen, Spinkai Raghzai and Tiarza.
The ground operation comes after weeks of air and artillery strikes against militant targets in the region, which lies close to the Afghan border.
Thousands of civilians have fled South Waziristan in anticipation of the offensive.
Transport has been difficult as roads have been blocked by the military.
There is a huge army presence on the road between Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, says the BBC’s Islamabad correspondent Shoaib Hasan, near South Waziristan.
On his way to South Waziristan, he passed several army convoys on the road.
There has been no comment from the Pakistan military yet.
The mobilisation came a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani held a meeting of the country’s senior political and military leadership.
Lengthy planning
Recent militant attacks were seen as an attempt to divide public opinion, but they appear to have strengthened the resolve of the government, which says the Taliban must now be eliminated, our correspondent added.
They were reported to be moving towards Makeen, Spinkai Raghzai and Tiarza.
The ground operation comes after weeks of air and artillery strikes against militant targets in the region, which lies close to the Afghan border.
Thousands of civilians have fled South Waziristan in anticipation of the offensive.
Transport has been difficult as roads have been blocked by the military.
There is a huge army presence on the road between Tank and Dera Ismail Khan, says the BBC’s Islamabad correspondent Shoaib Hasan, near South Waziristan.
On his way to South Waziristan, he passed several army convoys on the road.
There has been no comment from the Pakistan military yet.
The mobilisation came a day after Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani held a meeting of the country’s senior political and military leadership.
Lengthy planning
Recent militant attacks were seen as an attempt to divide public opinion, but they appear to have strengthened the resolve of the government, which says the Taliban must now be eliminated, our correspondent added.
Loading ...
Another disaster in the making. Exactly according to the enemy’s plan. Go on open another front. This is what an implosions looks like. Our American Puppet Masters / “friends” / Big brothers / “Donors” Love it!
For God sake wake up before the last act.
@taukeer
sorry but disagree with u on that. This op is must, and i know it will be bad but we have to pay this price. TTP and allies has to surrender.
Those who oppose the Waziristan operation, should know that the so called Talibans have Indian and American made weapons/rockets/marters etc to kill our citizens. It is about time we eliminate these money hungry “holy warriors” and don’t let the enemy in disguise, become stronger.
Did we not provide them a fair chance of negotiations? The bastards were not content and kept raising their demands which clearly indicated that they were not interested in peace. Aakhir kub tuk? What is another option?Please suggest.
@Pak Nukes you make exactly the point I am making! TTP is heavily infiltrated by Indian and US agents. The Indians and Americans want us to do this and there must be a reason for that and I can assure you the reason wont be so that they could arrange to establish a University and a Hospital for the poor tribal people. We need to understand their objectives and here is what I think some of their objectives are.
1. Bog down Pak army in an open ended operation ( Like the Indians in Kashmir and US in Afghanistan / I-rak! and wherever you care to mention!) This will reduce the operational maneuverability of the army or at least that of the “rouge” element in it.
2. It will pit pakistani against Pakistani and they (enemy) will be in a win win situation.
3. Consume potential volunteres for the Afghan Taliban in a local conflict.
4. Shift the focus of fighting by Taliban from against the Americans to against Pak Army.
5. Shift the Media attention away from Afghanistan and American deaths.
6. Increase Pak Army’s dependence on Americans.
What is required is a series of snatch operations against the TTP elements without antagonizing the local operations and I can assure you, you don’t need F16s for that.
@taukeer
I am not gonna argue or differ on points u have raissed they are all valid points.
That said unfortunately we don’t have civil paramiliatary forces to do the snatching and isolation operation i,e treat it as law and order situation which is best way to deal with terrorism so we have to rely on army. Army operations could only be done in army way, they are not SWAT forces and thus couldn”t operate that way.
After the attack on GHQ we have no choice but to root out as much as we can by launching full scale operation in waziristan. Couple that with US led NATO increasing forces on Afghan side an inaction from us will bee open invitation to ISAF to invade with ground troops. Pak Army has to respond ideally would be best that we have institutions and elite forces to deal with the situation but we don’t hence we have to launch it.
@Afzal please look at the sequence of events. Just as the army was dithering on Waziristan operation, along came the “Taliban” attack on GHQ. How convenient?! Just as American’s wanted (read ORDERED).
All I am arguing for is a more agile solution / operation that should be aimed at miscreants rather then bombing the population to oblivion.
I invite you to look at te history of American / Israeli / Indian / Algerian model of “Anti-Insurgency” doctrine. Let us take the Algerian model for a moment. THe anti- Military organisations were heavily infiltrated by intelligence agencies and caried out attacks in the name of the Anti-Military organisations. The Americans used this model in “I-rak”. They organsied the “Suicide Bombers” to carry out atrocities in the name of Al-Qaida causing erosion of support for Al-Qaida on the one hand and increasing the dependence of the Iraqi society on the American forces. They promote this dependence culture and then use it to manipulate your behaviour according to their desire / objectives. Do you for a moment think the Americans are going to give Pakistan / Zardari / Gillani or for that matter the Army 7.5 Billion US dollars? No this money is going to be given to various american organisations and they will be spending a tiny fraction of that money in Pakistan while the Americans will be extorting more concessions from Pakistan in the name of the “7.5″ billion dollars. What a deal! You spend $500 Million and pretend to be making a deal of 7.5 Billion. I am sure you face a similar hard sell by “Sales” people every day and reject it with the contempt it deserves.
I have no problem with vigorous law enforcement but I have a problem with indiscriminate bombing of people’s homes in the name of Global War on Terror especially when it is incongruent with my National interest and doubly so when it is desired by my Enemy.
@taukeer
Talat answered ur qts more eloquently then I could do watch
http://www.sohnidhurti.com/2009/10/17/dunya-today-17-october-2009/
Look dude u know my stand on operations against pakistanis by Pakistani army. U know my stand on swat, but i m convinced, though far from ideal this op is a must. Compare to swat the bombing will be different.
Geo:
60 terrorists killed, 5 soldiers embrace shahdat in Rah-e-Nijat: ISPR
ISLAMABAD: During last 24 hours, 60 terrorists have been killed in operation Rah-e-Nijat while five security men lost their lives and 11 were wounded, said ISPR in a news release here Sunday.
The details revealed that on Jandola-Kotkai-Sararogha Axis, area upto Mandana, Kund and Tarakai feature has been secured by security forces and during the securing process reportedly 30 terrorists have been killed and many injured.
Two soldiers embraced shahadat and 4 others were injured during the operation. On Shakai-Kaniguram-Ladha Axis, Operation has progressed 7 km north of Shakai and features like Boya Narai and Wuzi Sar have been captured.
Fighting is going around Sherwangi where around 20 terrorists have been reported killed and many others injured.
During this episode one soldier embraced shahadat and 3 others were injured.
Important features and tactical heights around and south of Razmak have been secured by security forces where 10 terrorists were learnt to be killed while 2 soldiers embraced shahdat and 4 others injured including two officers.
During another effective advancement by the troops, six 12.7mm anti aircraft gun positions of terrorists were effectively engaged and destroyed in different areas and one 12.7 mm gun position was captured in Wuzi Sar area.
A lot of IEDs and mines were also recovered.
The security forces have also destroyed a number of vehicles, which were under the use of terrorists.
Due to security forces advance, terrorists are vacating their posts area leaving behind arms and ammunition.
Villages and hutments en-route the advance of troops are being cleared by security forces, which are also conducting search and clearance operation, simultaneously.
However, the civilian population is not being targeted as in some areas people (including women) raised white flags; they were left off after search.
As far as the operation Rah-e-Raast in Malakand and Swat is concerned, the security forces conducted search operation at Kaldar Khwar and Mulla Banda Nullah near Fatehpur and Miandam and apprehended 4 terrorists besides recovering 9 caves of 12 feet length and 8 feet width.
Security forces conducted search operation at Mian Milli near Matta and recovered one 12.7 mm gun while in another search operation at Hamwarai near Khawazakhela, two terrorists were apprehended.
During search operation security forces discovered a cave at Tiligram and recovered few weapons from there.
@Afzal Talat has put very good spin on the operation but I am afraid the situation is alot more complex. If two of my brothers fight and one of them gets killed no matter who gets killed I have to carry a dead body to its grave. A loose loose proposition. And going by the history of military operations worldwide from time immemorial any Army that fights it’s own peple gets destroyed as an effective fighting force.
@taukeer
and u know I won’t disagree. But when a brother start to kill u u gotta defend man
The News: On whose side is US anyway? US vacates checkposts ahead of SWA operation
By Qudssia Akhlaque
ISLAMABAD: The US-led Nato forces vacated more than half a dozen key security checkposts on the Afghan side of the Pak-Afghan border just ahead of the major Pakistan Army ground offensive (code named: Rahe Nijaat) against Taliban-led militants in the volatile tribal area of South Waziristan, it is learnt.
It is feared that the American decision will facilitate Afghan Taliban in crossing over to Pakistan and support militants in striking back at the Pakistani security forces in the troubled tribal area.
Sources close to the NWFP government and military strategists involved in the planning of S Waziristan operation told The News over the weekend that the Americans vacated eight security checkposts on the Afghan side of the border just five days before the Army operation. Four of these close to South Waziristan including one each at Zambali and at Nurkha, and four in the north in the area of Nuristan where American forces recently came under violent attacks by the militants.
Latest reports indicate that the Americans have also removed some posts close to North Waziristan, which could encourage even more Afghan Taliban fighters to cross over to the Pakistan side. This has raised many eyebrows in government and military circles with points being made about “conflicting interests” and dubious American designs.
The NWFP government, civilian and military officials in the provincial capital have been astonished by this move and more so intrigued by its timing. Alarmed and concerned about its likely adverse affect on the military operation in S Waziristan where the Pakistani troops reportedly comprising 28,000 soldiers are expected to face fierce resistance from the heavily armed Taliban-led militants, the NWFP government recently alerted the relevant authorities in Islamabad about it.
Pakistan has now taken up this matter with the Americans and conveyed its serious concern about vacating the checkposts at this crucial juncture. Notably the security checkposts on the Afghan side of the border are already almost a third of what Pakistan has on its side.
Recent communication intercepts by Pakistani intelligence outfits have revealed that Taliban commander in Nuristan Qari Ziaur Rehman has invited TTP leader Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, former deputy of late Baitullah Mehsud, to come to Nuristan and operate from there if he finds space in Wazristan shrinking.
Experts believe the American move of vacating security checkposts on the Afghan side close to Pakistan’s border could undermine the military action by Pakistan Army. While on one hand it could offer an easy escape route to some militants, it is believed that this would facilitate movement of Afghan Taliban into Pakistan side to join hands with the al-Qaeda-backed local Taliban and other locals as well as foreign militant groups against the military action there.
Some observers see it as a tactical move by the US to ward off pressure from its own forces in Afghanistan that have been under severe attacks by the Afghan Taliban. Hence they want to provide them unhindered passage to Pakistan side, as it would help shift the main theatre of war from Afghanistan to inside Pakistan. Americans themselves have been saying that 70 per cent of area in Afghanistan is out of their control.
The Pakistani Tabiban in S Waziristan backed by al-Qaeda are joined by a large number of foreign militants including a battalion of Uzbeks, Tajiks, Chechens and Arab fighters. According to military sources the toughest resistance is expected from an estimated 1,500 battle-hardened Uzbek fighters, equipped with highly sophisticated weapons. “The Uzbek fighters face a do or die situation with the all-out army action in the hostile mountainous area,” a senior government representative maintained.
The uninterrupted flow of sophisticated arms and funding to the foreign militants in S Waziristan has also lured many criminals to join hands with them in challenging the writ of the state, defence experts say. The presence of various foreign and local militants in the rugged terrain of South Waziristan is estimated at between 15,000 and 20,000.
Officials in the military and civil bureaucracy are cautiously optimistic about the outcome of the operation. “Either these militants will run to Afghanistan, settled areas or stand and fight to the end,” is how one key NWFP government representative summed it up.
A seemingly more realistic view from a key office holder in Peshawar is: “We are half way in containing insurgency and hopefully by end of the year major military operations will be over and 2010 will be the year of consolidating the gains made in recovering the lost ground.”
Whatever the outcome, observers believe that operation in the Taliban stronghold of South Waziristan became inevitable. “It became imperative to go for a military operation in South Waziristan to regain the lost space that has been used as training ground for planning and executing attacks targeting key security installations of Pakistan including the GHQ,” the Army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said earlier shortly after the launch of the operation.
Despite several attempts on Sunday The News was unable to get an official version from the Pakistan Army Spokesman Major-General Athar Abbas on this alarming development. However, when the US Embassy Spokesman Richard Snelsire was contacted by this correspondent and his attention was drawn to the question of vacated checkposts he remained non-committal. When a confirmation was sought and he was asked what had prompted this move, Snelsire said he had no clue about it. “I do not have information on that, and that is outside our purview,” he noted, adding that he had not seen any reporting on that.
Good move by Kiyani. Once again govt retards fails to do the right thing.
SWA operation to target terrorists, says COAS letter to Mehsud tribes
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Monday clarified that the objective of the operation in South Waziristan is not to target peace and country loving people of Mehsud tribes, instead the aim is to eliminate Uzbek, local and foreign terrorists.
In a message addressed to Mehsud tribes, the COAS said he admits that the tribes in question including the Mehsud tribes are loyal to Pakistan. “The tribes have always served as Pakistani troops without remuneration,” he added.
He said the objective of the military operation in South Waziristan is to pull the Mehsud tribes form the clutches of terrorists elements and provide an opportunity to the Mehsud tribes to live in their area in peace.
I suspected something along this online and read on msnbc worldblog. Once again Army showing more political brains then political class. Goood show. Here is news from Geo tv and below u can read details of deal in msnbc worldblog
Pakistan cuts deal with anti-US militants
MSNBC Wordblog: TRIBAL DEALS OPEN DOORS FOR PAKISTAN ARMY
International Islamic University suicide attack. Does this means we now realize these TTP and co morons dun care abt Pak and are just bunch of terrorist or do we need more prove?
Pakistan ‘takes key Taliban town
Pakistani troops have captured the key Taliban town of Kotkai in South Waziristan, security officials say.
Troops took the town after days of bombardments, officials said. Three soldiers and four Taliban were reported killed in the fighting overnight.
Kotkai, home to top Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud, has seen fierce fighting since Pakistan launched its South Waziristan offensive last week.
Journalists are being denied access to the area and cannot verify the reports.
Up to 100,000 civilians have fled the conflict zone, the army says.
South Waziristan is considered to be the main sanctuary for Islamic militants outside Afghanistan.
Pakistan launched its offensive after a wave of militant attacks, believed to have been orchestrated from South Waziristan, killed more than 150 people.
‘Breakthrough’
Pakistani troops – backed by artillery, helicopters and fighter jets – were reported to have briefly taken control of Kotkai in the course of fighting earlier this week.
But on Tuesday morning the Taliban hit back, destroying army checkpoints and killing seven soldiers, local officials said.
However Pakistan’s army said subsequently said it had secured the tactically important heights around Kotkai.
On Saturday, AFP quoted an official as saying: “Security forces took control of Kotkai overnight and a clearance operation is in progress.
“It is a major breakthrough because it was the stronghold of Taliban and hometown of Hakimullah Mehsud and Qari Hussain,” he added, referring to a reputed trainer of suicide bombers.
The BBC’s Mark Dummett, in Islamabad, says the fighting is now expected to move into more remote and mountainous areas, as the army continues its drive deeper into this militant stronghold.
Meanwhile, at least 13 people were reported to have been killed by a US drone missile strike targeting a Taliban commander’s house in the tribal region of Bajaur.
Officials said the strike had hit the house of Maulvi Faqir in Damadola village.
Dawn News: TTP chief’s hometown taken
ISLAMABAD: The Army scored the first major success of the operation in South Waziristan on Saturday when it captured Kotkai, the hometown of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud and his deputy, Qari Hussain.
Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira and military spokesman Maj-Gen Athar Abbas told a joint briefing here that Operation Rah-i-Nijat was progressing well and the security forces had been achieving their targets ahead of the timeline.
According to the minister, the TTP network in Kotkai stood dismantled and the ‘terrorists are on the run’.
He, however, interjected a sombre note: terrorists may vent their frustration on ‘soft targets’ like schools, places of worship and shopping centres.
‘They have caused a great damage in the past and more is possible, but they have failed to terrorise the people who are with the government and the armed forces to stamp out terrorism,’ Mr kaira said.
He said the intelligence network had been strengthened to pre-empt acts of terror.
Referring to recent suicide bombings over the past 20 days, he said it betrayed the desperation of the desperadoes.
Military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas described the capture of Kotkai as a big success, pointing out that Jandola, Kotkai and Sararogha were the centres of gravity.
He said 21 terrorists have been killed in South Waziristan on Friday and Saturday while three security personnel laid down their lives and another eight sustained injuries.
About Kotkai, he said the place was a militant stronghold where most of the houses stood converted into bunkers. The town also has a training camp run by Qari Hussain for suicide bombers.
Security forces are in the process of clearing the built-up area of IEDs, mines and booby traps.
‘Troops are in complete control of Shishwam and are in the process of securing surrounding heights.’
Citing local sources, he said 80-90 militants, including Uzbeks, were killed and another around 150 in Spinkai-Kund Sector on October 17 and 18.
On Shakai-Kaniguram Axis, he said after securing Chalwastai security forces were in the process of securing important height of Tarkona Narai.
This feature has number of terraces with fortified positions and is an important Y Junction on the road leading to Kaniguram and Sar Wakai. Stiff resistance is being put up by terrorists. During search and clearance operation at Khaisura village, security forces recovered a number of rifles and 1 x 14.5 mm gun from a compound.
On main Axis route 1 ammunition laden vehicle has been destroyed alongwith with 3 terrorists killed.
WAZIRISTAN ACCORDS
Answering a question, General Athar Abbas said the Army had no accord with terrorists in Waziristan. ‘The accord in South Waziristan with Ahmadzai tribe and in North Waziristan with Waziri tribe is between the Government and the tribal elders. It is for the tribal leaders to honour the accord with the Government’, he remarked.
Responding to another question, he said ‘We would not like to see any kind of support or interference including drone attacks from outside during the ongoing operation. We are doing it at our own and will do it at our own’, he remarked.
He, however, downplayed the report about a drone attack in Damadola on Saturday, saying that ‘Our information suggests that explosive material being loaded at a vehicle blew up’.
Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira also replied to the question, saying there was no understanding between Pakistan and the United States for drone attacks. ‘We have always said these predator strikes are counterproductive.’
Sailab Mehsud adds from Laddah, South Waziristan: At least 10 militants were killed and eight others wounded as fierce clashes continued in different parts of South Waziristan tribal region on Friday night and Saturday. Four of the wounded Taliban were arrested.
Six security personnel were also killed, while eight were injured during the fighting.
Sources said that four militants were killed in Sheeshwam and six in the Sherawangi areas of Kotkai. Four of the eight wounded militants were captured in Sheeshwam, they said.
The sources said that three soldiers were killed in Sheeshwam and three in the Sherawangi area of Kotkai.
They said security forces continued their advance and moved on from Sherawangi to Badar Salweshtai area.
The army, backed by artillery and helicopter gunships, has also begun advance on Razmak, Shakai, Tiarza and Badar Salweshtai.
Residents said that several houses were hit during shelling.
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Fidaeen wing’s commander Qari Hussain, who is also a spokesperson for TTP chief Hakeemullah Mehsud, claimed Taliban had found five beheaded bodies of soldiers in the Tor Ghundai area of Kotkai.
He said the beheaded soldiers, a major among them, had been killed four days ago. The bodies were retrieved by security forces, he added.
80 persons killed in Peshawar blast
PESHAWAR: DCO Peshawar 80 people confirmed killed and around 200 injured including women and children in a blast in congested Peepal Mandi area of Peshawar on Wednesday.
Authorities have declared emergency in hospitals. Around 80injured persons were transferred to Lady Reading and other hospitals in the city. Lady Reading hospital officials have appealed people to donate blood for the people injured in the terror attack.
According to police sources a car bomb was detonated with remote-control.
Fire tenders have controlled the blaze, which was erupted as the bomb exploded in Peepal Mandi area.
(Updated at 2:30 PST)
According to earlier reports 25 persons were killed and dozens injured including women and children in a blast in congested Peepal Mandi area of Peshawar on Wednesday.
A building was collapsed in explosion in Peepal Mandi area, which unleashed an inferno setting alight many shops.
According to eyewitnesses a car parked in the area was exploded causing death and destruction.
DCO Peshawar Sahibzada Anis told ARY News that 15 persons were killed and more than 50 were injured in the bomb attack.
Let us see who proves themselves to be more stupid. The American stooges or “TTP”.
NO WAR IS EVER WON WITHOUT LOCAL SUPPORT.
A simple universal truth no General / Commander has ever been able to bring themselves to belief / understand.
CANT BEAT THEM JUST BUY THEM!
US to pay Taliban to switch sides
CANT BEAT THEM JUST BUY THEM!
LOOKS LIKE THIS IS THE NEW POLICY
Clinton Announces Aid for Pakistan’s Power Sector
Mrs. Clinton, on the first of a three-day diplomatic mission to Pakistan, said that Washington will disburse $125 million to Islamabad for the upgrading of key power stations and transmission lines.
The News: Security forces enter into Makeen
WANA: Security forces have entered into Hakimullah Mehsud’s stronghold Makeen during ongoing operation against militants in South Waziristan.
According to sources, forces have successfully entered into Makeen area, a stronghold of Hakimullah Mehsud. Five hideouts have been destroyed whereas two militants killed in the action.
At least 11 militants have been killed and eight injured during operation in Ladha, Makeen and Sararogha areas.
Fighter jets, gunship helicopters and heavy artillery pounding militants positions. Nine militants were killed and eight wounded in the action. Militants are fleeing to North Waziristan, Kurram Agency and Orakzai Agency because of operation.
Meanwhile, security has beefed up in Kurram Agency and Pak-Afghan border has been sealed for three days.